Hi! Just checking in to see what you've been up to. Are you still in school?

I can't believe you aren't going somewhere great! I guess you have to study since you are testing in October - I don't have big plans, but will probably go to Santa Fe before the snow sets in.

How's work going?

Nice to hear from you! Labor Day's coming up - where ya goin?

hey girl. what's up in your world? you done with the voice class yet? i haven't done a thing in forever, but i'm dipping my toe back in the pool. just trying to decide if i want to start on the machine again or do the voice. say hello when you get a chance. talk at you later. p.s. i may steal your haircut!

Well, you look tan, happy and relaxed in your photo! You always have a good time!

Congratulations for you - what specialty is your attorney? Where you living? When's your exam?

I changed schools to College of Court Reporting and I'm happy as a clam and doing really well - much better! Quit my job, sold my house, sending my son to university - moving to Lubbock, Texas tomorrow - I'm the happiest I've been in 11 years - no kidding! Can you see me doing my Snoopy dance?!!!!!

Write back and tell me all!

Actually, I've only lived here a few months, and I haven't done any work in the Plano area. I am starting to get some work but none so close to home yet!

We are EXTREMELY busy here in Lafayette. I guess you're in the New Orleans area?? Yes, they are mostly machine.
Around here most are mask writers. I started out on the machine (school) and didn't want to stay in school 7 years (like the norm).

Hi! What school? How long have you been going?

Hi, Jill. When I was producing transcripts from stenomask reporters, I was transcribing two-channel standard cassette audiotapes, actually typing the transcript word for word on a computer with a QWERTY keyboard.

Today, the stenomask industry has advanced to using CAT voice recognition software, and then their transcripts are scoped. I don't do that, but I have a few friends who have invested in the voice recognition software. Years ago, it cost almost $10,000. I'm sure it's come down in price today. You have to develop your own dictionary to make it effective.

Check out this website for speech recognition software that some stenotypists use: Speechtek

Also, here is a forum for maskers: VoiceRecognition Forum

There will be an upcoming Stenomask Convention in August at Opryland in Nashville, August 26-29, 2009. You should go and network with other stenomaskers. I think you may really enjoy it. Also, check out the stenomask forum: NVRA Forum

Jill, there's a lot of court reporting agencies in D.C., and if you ever decide to make the move up here, I would be happy to provide you some names of good companies, where you might be able to get your foot in the door.

I think I gained the best experience working in-house for a busy court reporting company, learning from seasoned veterans in the industry. Being in the trenches with others helped me gain the skills set I needed to be a proficient transcriptionist. It was exactly what I needed to move forward.

Wow, Jill! That was quick -- you'll be working in no time! So, do voicewriters have a lot of work in Louisiana? NM doesn't allow them as officials -- and I don't know what Texas does!

Oh, I'm still working on my 100's -- Frankly, so much has been going on in my personal life and I had a few months of a school crisis - was really upset with CRID about some things, but, with help from an awful lot of people on this board, I was able to work through a lot of it and I'm going to stay (especially since, if I don't get cold feet, I'm moving to Dallas this summer). I still really like school and just need to get over that hump --

Sorry that job didn't work out - you know, a few years ago I left the legal field and determined that no matter what, I never want to work in another field if I don't have to -- so, I really hope you find a firm to work for!

Take care and keep me posted!

How in the world are you?! How's school? What's that like? Are you enjoying your new job? I haven't been on the baord in such a long time -- sorry I didn't reply sooner -- I'm still at CRID, still writing -- eventually, I'll get out of school - still love it!

holler and let me know -- good to hear from you!

Way-to-go Jill!~ Heard lots of good things about voicewriting..good security, good income! I hope it brings all the best for you and your family.
I can't wait to start working too!!! I'm starting my search now..so far so good!
How's that cute little doggie of yours doing?

Jill what's up?! Good to see ya!! How's everything goin?? Where ru going to be next month? I'm still pluggin away at CRID ==just passed my first 120 this week! Yay! Only took me two quarters to do it! LOL
Stay in touch, okay?

ooooh....don't you start your new school next month? That will be exciting!

Hey Girl! Just hollerin at you - how are you? How's the new job? Let me know!

glitter-graphics.com

Happy New Year, Jill - good luck with that new job! Jeannie

Oohh...what an interesting job! I know you'll love it and having the freedom to set your own hours is awesome! Kudos to you!

Happy New Year and enjoy yourself!

Well, what do you know! Good luck to you with that voice writing. You'll have to let me know about it - I'm completely unfamiliar. And what in the heck is an independent court researcher? What do you do? It's probably something that one of our clerks do - we have one who is dedicated to making copies, and looking through older tapes/cd's for what the attorneys want. Let me know and I'm happy for you.